Celtics' Jayson Tatum Named Duke's Chief Basketball Officer amid Achilles Injury Rehab

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has found a new way to spend his time as he continues his recovery from a torn Achilles.

Tatum has been named the Chief Basketball Officer for his alma mater Duke, making his a special advisor to head coach Jon Scheyer.

Tatum starred at Duke during the 2016-17 season and averaged 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals in his lone year with the Blue Devils. He went on to be the No. 3 pick in the 2017 NBA draft and quickly blossomed into one of the best players in the league, leading the Celtics to an NBA championship in 2024. He suffered a torn Achilles during the 2025 playoffs, likely ruling him out for the entire 2025-26 campaign.

In a release, it was explained that Tatum's role as Chief Basketball Officer will see him "volunteer his time as a special advisor to Scheyer and the Duke program, bringing championship-level insight and professional basketball experience to player development, leadership, and life as an elite athlete."

"I am ecstatic about the opportunity to be Duke's first Chief Basketball Officer," Tatum said in a statement. "This program means so much to me, and I had an unbelievable time here. I already watch every game, come back whenever I can, and connect with Coach Scheyer often. To have the chance to formalize my relationship with the program and broaden my ability to impact the players and culture means the world to me. As former players, we all share the responsibility of supporting the next generation of Duke Basketball."

The Blue Devils are set to open the season on Nov. 4 against Texas. This year's roster will be led by freshman twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer, the sons of former NBA star and Duke alum Carlos Boozer.